Title: Family Matters
By: Kathryn2
Rated: G
Codes: J/C
© 2001, 2002, and 2005
Summery: Janeway and Chakotay are
delighted at the fact that they are going to have a child. But when
Janeway has a miscarriage will their marriage be affected? I wasn't
exactly happy with the way I ended it but my fingers were getting some major
cramping. Please send feedback and perhaps I can make the ending better.
~/\~
The quarters are decorated with flowers and Native American paintings.
These are the quarters of the command team of the USS VOYAGER. A chipper
woman exits the bathroom with her husband; both are ready for the day ahead.
"Chakotay, today I want to scrub the ship from bow to stern, top to
bottom. Including having the carpet shampooed will you please assign crew
members to each task."
Chakotay smiles, in the last seven years she hasn't once really cleaned the
ship nor had others do it for her.
"Why aren't you mighty chipper today Kathryn. I haven't seen you
like this since New Earth. What's gotten into you?"
Janeway just throws on her jacket and kisses him full on the lips.
Surprised by that reaction Chakotay doesn't argue.
"Isn't it the most wonderful day? I haven't felt this good for…I
don't know how long. It must have been the Shore Leave last month."
"Shoot if that didn't give it away!" Janeway scolds to herself but
Chakotay didn't quite get it he thought I was just that she felt relaxed.
"We had better hurry, the Doctor expects me in Sickbay at 0800 hours for
my annual exam. I'm sure he'll remind me that you are not aloud to miss
another one this time."
Janeway just giggles; she knows how much the Doctor hates it when he has to
come to her rather than her coming to him.
"Maybe I should let him suffer? What do you think Chakotay?
Should I make him "wheedle" as you would put it?"
Chakotay shakes his head. He knows what she meant and she was right he
would not like it. Janeway on the other hand was very excited on getting
the exam because she knew that an addition to the crew would make a welcoming
present but if she went to see the Doctor it would become suspicious, and she
wanted the perfect moment to tell the father.
Together they both exit their quarter’s hand-in-hand, coming to the turbo lift
they both were smiling and giggling.
"Deck One, Bridge, Deck Five Sickbay."
The computer responds to Janeway and Chakotay's command and the distinctive
humming assures their intended destinations. When they reach it the doors
swish open for both on different decks. Janeway checks the readings, and
moves to her seat. When fifteen minutes pass Chakotay makes his
appearance on the bridge and takes the seat next to his wife. When
Janeway believes her crew had done their duties she looks over to Chakotay…
"The Doctor wants you in Sickbay Captain. I told him you would be
right there."
"I want him to sit for a while before I actually go to see him…IF I got to
see him. I have decided to go on with my plan; I will make him come to
me. Commander, you have the bridge, I will be in my ready room if you
need me."
Chakotay smiles then laughs lightly but nods his head anyway. When the
Captain is out of sight and sound
"Aren’t annual exams due for the ENTIRE crew not just 152 people? It
has to be the Captain only goes into her ready room when she's stuck on a
solution or escaping the Doctor."
"Today we have to get our annual exams and you now how much the Captain
HATES the Doctor let alone Sickbay."
Several Hours Later…
Janeway has assembled a collection of Data PADDS scattered all across her desk
whether they are book or actual ship reading I'm not sure of. With what
normally be mugs of coffee have been replaced with several teacups including
her "good luck tea cup" when instead of coffee, it was replaced with
herbal tea. When she believes enough time has passed for her to escape
the Doctor she taps her COMM badge.
"Janeway to Sickbay."
Knowing that the Doctor would be furious with her she waits several seconds
before he answers. He is clearly angry and frustrated well as much as a
hologram could become.
"Doctor here."
Janeway teasingly waits several seconds before answering…
"Please report to my ready room Doctor…Oh, and please make the bridge crew
believe you came here yourself. I don't want them to think I called
you…they would become suspicious, and I want it to be a surprise."
"Why may I ask?"
"I will let you in on it as soon as you get here…and remember…this is our
secret. Janeway out."
The Doctor does what is asked and when he enters the bridge the crew all laughs
they know why he was here. There was only one person left to get their
annual exam…Captain Janeway. He touches the key PADD on her door and
waits a few seconds before pressing the insigma again. Another few
seconds and the door whooshes open. Janeway is standing there with a very
serious expression on her face.
"What do you want Doctor?"
"You missed your annual exam this morning. You know It is Starfleet
Protocol to get one every year in order to continue to command VOYAGER.
It's Starfleet…"
"Protocol…I know, I know, I've made it to becoming Captain, I know
"Starfleet Protocol." Let's just get this over with before I change my
mind and send you away."
The Captain motions her hand to allow him to come into the Ready Room.
She wants to smile and hug him but she can't it would ruin everything.
Still both wearing serious expressions the door hisses closed behind him.
"You did a very good job Doctor."
"Now would you kindly tell me why it was so important that you run your
original "Ignore the Doctor" comments? Why did you call
me?"
Janeway is like a child; she grabs a hold of the doctors' hands and move around
in circles about him smiling.
"If you want my professional opinion, I think you should cut down on the
caffeine Captain you are getting a little to "hyper" for my
taste. Not that I mind I assure you but you hate coming to Sickbay for
your annual exam."
"Doctor I am literally floating one air, I feel as light as a
feather. I feel…I don't know this feeling I've never experienced it at
least not since I took command of VOYAGER."
The Doctor takes Janeway over to her desk and peers into those obsidian eyes of
hers, as blue as the ocean after a storm.
"What is wrong with you?"
"Doctor, the most wonderful thing has happened! I'm going to become a
mother like I always dreamed! Isn't it wonderful?"
The Doctor is speechless for the first time in a long time. He just doesn't
know what to say; now there are two children on the way. He has his work
cut out for him.
"Before you get to excited I think we should run some scans and a
pregnancy test to confirm your suspicions just to be sure. There could be
a number of reasons you have come to this conclusion."
"I'm late, simple as that. I told you before that I'm like a clock
always on time. It's been two-and-a-half weeks and still no evidence of
my period. Now isn't that reason enough to believe?"
"I suppose but there could be many reason's you are late. Stress,
not eating right, being worried about everything, I could go on forever if you
wish."
Janeway is becoming very angry with the Doctor by now. She knew her body
and she knew that something was different with it. She knew she was
pregnant even if she had no physical evidence. What did she have to do to
convince the Doctor of that fact?
"Fine, why don't you run your silly little scans. They should prove
to you that I am right. Go-ahead Doctor runs them. See for
yourself."
Discouragingly she sits still as the Doctor runs the scan with the wand that
belongs to the tricorder over Janeway's body. Taps a few buttons and
sighs with a smile.
"You're right; I see a healthy fetus about seven week’s gestation."
"I told you so. See a woman knows those things without high tech
equipment as well as exams. So in your own opinion how am I?"
"You are fine, in excellent health actually, but because of your age I
must monitor you closely. You are at a point in your life that you can
have a miscarriage. I want you to take it easy and try not to work so
hard on your job. As for the baby, have you felt any nausea, dizziness,
fatigue, lack of appetite?"
"Nope, No, and No. Nope for the nausea, No for the dizziness, and No
again to the fatigue. I told you when you came in I was walking on
air. If I had any of those symptoms would I have said that?"
"No. That's good to hear, normally women have morning sickness, and
you seem to be one of the few lucky ones who don't suffer."
"It's a good thing because if I had those symptoms I couldn't very well
hide it from the crew let alone Chakotay. I want to make a special
announcement in a unique way to let him know he is going to be a daddy."
"I'm sure. I'll see you in one month. Remember what I told
you. "
"I'll be there, oh, and Doctor please let them think I gave you a rough
time."
"I will and congratulations."
"Thank you."
The Doctor nods as the door hisses open. Wearing a mask of deceit the
Doctor grumbles under his breath while holding an instrument that checks
reflexes.
"Did she give you a hard time Doctor?"
"She…She…She is the most difficult patient I have ever had, outside of
Doctors of course. She wouldn't sit still long enough for me to get
complete scans. She practically kicked me out of her Ready
Room…WOMEN!"
The entire bridge crew laughs as the Doctor storms off the bridge. When
he reaches the turbo lift and it hisses shut a smile crosses his face. He
should become an actor not a Doctor.
"I knew Captain Janeway was going to blow off the Doctor. I should
have taken wages for a bet. Why doesn't he just give up?"
"You know the Doctor Mr. Paris always on the go."
Later that evening Janeway is waiting in their quarters dressed in bright red
spaghetti strapped gown, sure to catch the eyes of her husband. As she
lights the two candles in the center of the table Chakotay enters.
Janeway slowly turns around with a seductive smile on her face. He knew
what she wanted tonight.
"Wow! You look Great!!!" How did I ever get so lucky?"
Janeway walks over to him and hugs him. He in turn returns the
favor. Walking over to the table in the center of their living quarters
Chakotay realizes that it has been set in a romantic mood.
"What's this? You usually don't cook like this; you always burn our
dinner. That's why I thought I was going to do all of the cooking?"
"I just wanted to be spontaneous I guess. Go on sit down eat your
dinner before it gets cold. While you are eating I have written a message
in what is being served."
Chakotay sits and looks at the meal, baby-back-ribs, baby corn, baby carrots,
accented with a baby white rose and baby's breath at the center of the
table. He wasn't sure what that all meant but he was sure it was pretty
important.
"Let’s see, baby-back-ribs, baby corn, baby carrots, accented by a baby
white rose, and baby's breath. Oh Kathryn…
For a brief moment she thought he had figured it out but she was wrong…
"Finger Food…I love this.""
"No not finger food looks harder. It is telling you that I am going
to have a baby. Well we are going to have a baby."
For a moment, he was speechless. He wasn't sure if he was excited or if
he was surprised. They had been trying to get pregnant since Unimatrix
Zero and they had yet to succeed. He had all but given up when suddenly
out of the blue she was pregnant and they didn't even try.
"Chakotay, please say something so I know you are as happy as I am about
this. Please Chakotay…"
Chakotay shakes his head to come back into reality and out of his stupor.
When doing so he smiles, jumps out of his seat and takes her into his
arms. What he thought earlier just wouldn't be safe now.
"I've never been so happy in all my life…outside of marrying you of
course…I just finally decided that we would never become parents the natural
way and I accepted it. And now when I give up it happens. I love
you so Kathryn!"
Twirling her in circles he seals his words with a sweet and tender kiss.
He was the happiest man in the Delta Quadrant.
When he places her down they take their seats again and begin to eat the dinner
Kathryn had prepared.
"Are you sure Kathryn we have been fooled before remember?"
Kathryn takes a bite of her corn while shaking her head "yes" when
she finishes the bite she continues...
"Those were because I thought I had morning sickness. But this time
there is no doubt about it. Remember when we first started trying I told
you I was like a clock, always on time never late. I still haven't gotten
my period and it's been two-and-a-half weeks. I called the Doctor to my
Ready Room this morning but asked him to play along with my usual attitude when
it comes to exams."
"He certainly did a wonderful job. He had the entire bridge crew
believing him. Remind me to tell him he's a great actor, we should give
him an award."
Janeway laughs lightly; maybe the Doctor did a better job than what she
expected of him. Maybe to good of a job.
"The Doctor said I was almost seven weeks, so why don't we play a little
game, you do the math and tell me when it happened and I will tell you if it is
correct. While you are doing this maybe you'll understand what I meant
about this morning."
Chakotay was really, REALLY, bad at mathematics so it took him several minutes
to contemplate exactly the time she conceived. But finally after several
long, LONG, minutes he comes up with the answers he's been searching for.
"Our Shore Leave, on Tiara IV. We set down the ship and the entire
crew got the R&R they needed. Now lets see, what did we do and when
did it happen…he knew what they did AND when it happened, I know what we
did…When we did it…Where we did it… and How we did it…I've got it…The
beach…under a star filled clear night, with the waves crashing against the
shore and sand. It's a good thing no one else was there huh?"
Janeway laughs she remembered THAT night they made love on the sand until the
wee hours of the morning they were bound to get something out of that…although
a baby was the last thing on their minds.
"The Doctor said that was when I conceived, but he wasn't exactly sure
what day. I know why now. The baby is due at the end of August,
give or take a few days considering the circumstances. But I'm sure I
know exactly when I conceived it was the last time we made love. I somehow felt
like something different was inside of me at the moment I thought I was still
recovering from the physical prowess. But I pushed it away."
"I guess it’s a woman's intuition, or on this fact mother's
intuition. So how do you feel otherwise?"
"Oh, I've never felt better. No morning sickness that is the best
plus. I haven't felt this good since I married you."
"And the baby how is it? Is everything within "normal
range?"
Yes, the baby is fine. I made sure the Doctor didn't tell us what it was
so we could be surprised. You don't mind do you?"
"Oh no, not at all, in fact I think I like that I will be surprised when it’s
born."
"Are you still happy?"
"I have never been so happy, as I said before, this is a miracle our
baby. OOO, I just love the sound of that…"OUR BABY."
They both bet up and move to the couch to finish their discussion.
"We have a lot to talk about. So why don't we start form basics, I
think the most important thing is that we need bigger quarters, a suite
perhaps? Then I have to find the way to tell the crew, and you to make
the baby's cradle."
Chakotay laughs lightly remembering "New Earth", he built everything
and if the crew hadn't returned, they would be living in a log cabin with a
boat on the riverbank. Janeway rests her head on his shoulder and closes
her eyes while Chakotay places a hand on her still flat tummy.
"I can't believe we are going to have a baby. And its here right
inside of you right now this very minute. You are nourishing it and
that's something I could never repay you for. This life right here is a
part of us, it is OUR future."
Janeway is touched by his words. Through the tears she smiles.
"I couldn't have done this without you. You are the one who began it
all. Thank you so much. By giving me the opportunity to carry our
child you have proven to me how much you really care for me."
Chakotay gives her a sweet kiss and together they walk into their
bedroom. Sharing a bed with one person was an honor, but sharing it also
with their child was even sweeter.
The following day the Senior Officers have assembled in the Briefing
Room. Janeway as usual is at the head of the table.
"Now enough on ships business, now for something of a more personal
nature. This is going to surprise most of you but I am pleased to
announce that not only is B'Elanna and Tom having a baby so are Chakotay and
I."
Between the whistles and the congratulations Janeway manages to get their
attention again and finish what she was saying.
"Now, as I was saying, the Doctor said I was fine and so was the
baby. I hope B'Elanna and Tom's daughter will be a good friend to
ours. We are not sure what the sex is and intend to not find out but we
want it that way."
"We wanted it that way also but the Doctor let that cat out of the
bag. But none the less we can give her a name or title and she will have
all the love in the world."
With a smile the crew is dismissed.
B'Elanna and Janeway are in the Mess Hall finishing up their dinner.
B'Elanna is now a healthy 24 weeks pregnant and the Janeway at 22 weeks.
Their pregnancies are going well and are beginning to discuss a baby
shower. Suddenly Janeway feels some pain in her abdomen; wincing B'Elanna
becomes concerned…
"Are you alright Captain? You don't look so good maybe you should go
to Sickbay we call always finish later."
Janeway smiles as she shakes off the dull ache.
"No, I'm alright just a little indigestion; I don't think the baby likes
Neelix's cooking, let alone an entire meal."
"Maybe, but I think you should go see the Doctor just incase it isn't
indigestion, you never know."
"I don't want to see him twice in one week, I'll get the same old lecture,
"You're under weight considering you gestational age, you need to get some
rest, don't push yourself too far, and With your condition you must be
monitored carefully." He gives me a headache."
B'Elanna laughs; she did a very good imitation of the Doctor.
"That was a very good impression of the Doctor you have Captain. Why
don't we get back to the baby shower?"
The child inside B'Elanna flutters and she gasps lightly, it was Janeway's turn
to become concerned.
"What's the matter B’Elanna?"
"Nothing, our daughter just keeps moving so much when I want to sleep she
wants to be awake, and when I'm awake she wants to sleep. If she weren't
a girl I'd think that she was a miniature Tom Paris."
"She's running out of room in there B'Elanna. And the Doctor said
she might come early. You're due date is six weeks away, you should expect
increasing movements, and the fact that she is part Klingon."
"Well at least she looks like me. I wouldn't want another Tom Paris
one is enough. Although it was rather rough in the beginning poor
Tom. One moment I was as happy as can be, the very next ready to kill
him."
"Those are all those hormones floating around in our bloodstreams.
Chakotay has had his share over the last few weeks. Except, one minute I
am happy and the very next I am crying. "
The mothers-to-be laugh a good laugh and soon they both continue with their
plans on the baby shower for the both of them.
Later that night Janeway is waiting in bed for Chakotay to get home. When
she hears the door open she jumps out of bed and greets him at the door with a
kiss.
"Hello Chakotay, I missed you. What's up with the ship? It running
well I hope because in a few months I won't be able to do my duties."
"I know and I'm fine. At this moment we are in the most boring area
of the Delta Quadrant you could ever find. But that's okay I don't mind
the vacation. Until you have the baby I hope it stays this calm. I
wouldn't want you to go into labor in the middle of a BORG attack or anything
like that."
After a "hello" kiss he goes into the bathroom to change into his
nightclothes. While he's there again she could feel what seemed to be a
contraction. She only let out a light gasp but she was sure something was
wrong when she felt another short while later. Maybe B'Elanna was right;
she would go see her while Chakotay rested.
"Chakotay honey, I promised to check in on B'Elanna for Tom while he is
working night shift. I won't be long, and try and get some rest we have a
busy day tomorrow."
"Okay, I'll see you in a few minutes."
Janeway exits her quarters and on the way to B'Elanna's room she is followed by
another pain. Something was wrong very wrong and she didn't want Chakotay
to worry. B'Elanna would be there. A few minutes later she reached
B'Elanna and Tom's quarters. Ringing the insigma B'Elanna calls out to
her.
"Come in Captain, I know it's you, Tom told me you were coming by to check
on me."
Janeway enters and B'Elanna is working on a cradle for the baby. All the
pieces were across the floor and she was kneeling before them.
"I don't know how mother's in the 20th century ever was able to put one of
these together, it so much easier in the 24th century. Why don't you come
and sit down with me maybe you could find out how to put it together?"
Janeway nods and joins B'Elanna on the floor. When a contraction comes
she lets out a gasp and begins to feel the wetness at her feet. B'Elanna
catches on to this and places a hand on her shoulder.
"Are you alright Captain?"
"NO, I think I'm going into pre-term labor. But it's too early the
baby won't survive out of the womb. What am I going to do?"
"Just relax maybe the contractions will stop, you never know."
"No I don't think so, I think I am bleeding, I need help. I didn't
want to worry Chakotay unnecessarily he is worried enough about everyone else
on the ship."
"That's why you came here isn't it? You didn't want Chakotay to see
you in this kind of pain. I should call the Doctor."
Janeway nods as the pain begins to get worse. If the Doctor didn't get
here soon she was going to have a miscarriage here in B'Elanna's quarters and
that was the last think she wanted.
"Torres to Sickbay…"
"Sickbay here B'Elanna."
The Doctor voice comes over.
"The Captain needs you in my quarters right now hurry!"
I'm on my way with a stretcher just keeping her calm and assist her through the
contractions. I'll get there as soon as I can. Sickbay Out!"
A few minutes later the Doctor arrives at B'Elanna's quarters. The
Captain is lying on the couch with her hand across her stomach breathing
thorough pain. B'Elanna is right there at her side of course. When
the Doctor arrives B'Elanna takes her seat next to Janeway as the Doctor
examines Janeway.
"How long have these contractions been going on?"
"They started in the Mess Hall several hours ago, I told her to go see you
but she insisted it was indigestion. Then when she got here she was having
them again but more frequently. I've tried to help her but they seem to
be getting worse."
"How long have you been experiencing bleeding Captain?"
"Since just before I got here. At first I though I was leaking fluid
but then I found out that with each contraction it became worse. Please
Doctor, save the baby; I don't want to loose it please."
"I will do my best. I am going to take you to Sickbay and give you
something to stop the contractions, but if that doesn't work I won't be able to
save the baby you understand."
Janeway nods, she knows that she will make it, but wasn't sure that if she did
if Chakotay would still love her the way he did before she had the
miscarriage."
Later in Sickbay the Doctor was unsuccessful at saving the child and Janeway
suffered a miscarriage. Though she seems to be fine with it the Doctor
know that it will be a rough road to recovery for Janeway and her health.
The next morning Chakotay went to see his wife. In Sickbay the Doctor is
taking some readings when Chakotay enters with the whoosh of the doors. The
Doctor turns to the sound; to his surprise it was a very exhausted
Chakotay. The Doctor moves up to him.
“I had to sedate her Commander. I know how much she hates that but it was
the only way for her to get some rest.”
Chakotay moves up to Janeway’s bio-bed. Using his hand to stroke her
cheek and pull back a stray strand of hair. She looked so pale and weak.
“Doctor, why does she look so fragile. I’ve never seen her like this
before. Why did she have a miscarriage she did everything that she was
supposed to? I just don’t understand.”
“When she had the miscarriage she lost a lot of blood. It’s really not a
surprise, but it was rare for her to lose the baby at twenty-two weeks
gestation. I’ve been trying to find the verdict when she started to
become delusional. I tried to tell her that it wasn’t her fault but you
know the Captain.”
Chakotay nods, still confused on why she had the miscarriage to begin
with. She did everything she was told. Why did this happen.
“Most people believe that…a superior being… has the last call. But
medically I can assure you that sometimes the fetus aborts itself when or if
something is wrong. Nothing that the mother does causes miscarriages.”
Chakotay is saddened by the thought. He knew how much Kathryn wanted this
baby, and he wasn’t there for her when it happened. B’Elanna was and that
was something he regretted.
“I wasn’t there for her when she lost the baby and I should have been.
Why didn’t she call me? Why didn’t I pay attention I saw it coming but I
just ignored my gut feelings.”
“Commander get a hold of yourself. This wasn’t your fault. I told
Captain Janeway the same thing. No one could have prevented this tragedy
from occurring. Now when she wakes up she is going to need a lot of
support. I need you to stay together to help her.”
“I don’t know if I can do that Doctor. It wasn’t just Kathryn who lost
the baby you know, a part of me was lost as well.”
“I know Commander and I’m sorry. But perhaps if you could be strong just
until she gets over this depression. It will help her out a lot.”
Chakotay nods and pulls a seat up next to Janeway’s bio-bed.
“Doctor, be honest with me, I want to know if she can still have
children. This was Kathryn’s dream and when we got thrown out here in the
Delta Quadrant she lost that dream. When we got pregnant she was the
happiest I had ever seen her.”
“She will continue to have complications but I think that with the proper care
and monitoring she’ll succeed.”
Several Hours Later…
Chakotay is holding Janeway’s hand while his head rests on the other.
When he hears Janeway coming too, he wakes. As Janeway slowly opens her
groggy eyes the first thing she sees is Chakotay’s face, then she remembers
what happened and that was the last thing she wanted.
“Why is he here Doctor? I told you I didn’t want to see anyone before you
sedated me. Answer me Doctor that’s an order!”
Chakotay is hurt by how cross she was. It wasn't just her words but the
way she looked into his eyes. Hatred came back at him. The Doctor
comes up to Janeway’s bio-bed.
“I’m glad to see you are awake. How do you feel?”
“Doctor, why don’t you put yourself in my shoes for a moment? You started
having contractions, you bleed all over your best friend’s quarters, been poked
and prodded, and last but not least, you loose the baby you carried for nearly
five months. Think about that Doctor and you have the answer. Now
get out! Both of you!”
Janeway rolls onto her side and sobs like a child. How did the Doctor
think she felt? You were given a life and then it’s taken away.
Chakotay reaches over to touch her shoulder only to be pushed away. This
was going to be a difficult road for both of them.
“Come on Commander into my officer we will have more privacy. I will
explain to you about her behavior.”
“Sure act like I’m just asleep. Go ahead Doctor take him away. I
don’t even exist. I am an empty shell.”
The Doctor motions his head over to his office. The two of them agree
they shouldn’t speak in front of her in her fragile condition; it would only
make things worse. When they reach inside…
“Doctor, what is the matter with her? I love her and I know that
underneath all the pain and hurt she love me too. How can I help her if
she won’t even show me that kind of affection?”
“This is not uncommon after a miscarriage. She is feeling anger, not only
to us but herself as well. I have seen this before, many women get
through it but with her history of depression she will wind up endangering herself.”
“Well, is there anything you can do for her? I mean to help her through
this most difficult and trying time?”
The Doctor shakes his head. Emotionally he could only do what he is
programmed to do. Medically he had done all he could do.
“Emotionally I can’t help her except with what I am trained to do. Her
body will only heal physically IF she gets out of this depression. Right
now I have her on anti-depressants, but as you can see they are not working nor
are they helping. What she needs, really needs, is the support of the
entire crew.”
“But as you can see she doesn’t even want to see her husband, let alone the
entire crew. She and B’Elanna are best friends; she told me that Kathryn
doesn’t want to see her. Without the support of her best friend what is
there left? Without us she will only become worse and soon we won’t be
able to do anything for her. I love my wife but I don’t love the person
who is laying in that bio-bed over there. That person is not the woman I
fell in love with five years ago. That is merely a representation.”
The Doctor nods, without the support of the ones she is close to, she will not
recover or improve she WILL get worse.
“I’m going to let you take her home tonight. Perhaps the familiar
surroundings will guide her through this difficult journey. Here is a
hypo- spray of an anti-depressant and refills; you may give her some every four
to six hours unless she becomes isolated. If that occurs watch her every
move don’t let her go anywhere alone including the bathroom. Who knows
what she might do to herself.”
“I promise Doctor, I’ll watch her carefully if anything at all happens, and
I’ll be sure to contact you immediately. I had better go the quarters are
full of infant things. If she goes home now I fear she may never heal.”
The Doctor nods as Chakotay exits his office then Sickbay. As he glances
over to the bio-bed where Janeway lays he can’t help but wonder if there was a
way he could have saved the baby.
Janeway is still lying on her side away from everything and everyone. She
didn’t want to see anyone not now not ever especially the Doctor for it was his
fault the baby died. Right now that is what she wanted to die and be with
her child. Nothing else seemed to matter to her or even seem real.
Not the ship, crew, her husband, her friends, nothing and she never wanted that
to change.
A Few Hours Later…
The Doctor comes up to Janeway; she isn’t pleased and pushes him away.
She didn’t want him to touch her, not ever again.
“I need to examine you Captain to see if you are recovering.”
Janeway again pushes him away this time succeeding in him crashing in a cart
behind him. Not injured physically but hurt nonetheless. She was
blaming him for the death of the baby.
“If I don’t examine you, you can go into septic shock, would you really want
that?”
“If I can die from it than fine. Let me become septic let me die.
There is nothing left here for me to be alive for.”
The Doctor is deeply offended by this. Her condition has gotten
worse. Before this miscarriage she was eager to reach the Alpha Quadrant
and now at 20,000 light years away in the Beta Quadrant, she has given
up. He had always thought that she was the backbone of the crew; she
would make it possible to help the crew believe they would make it but now her
heart was back in the Delta Quadrant.
“It will only take a moment, please Captain I need to treat you. If I
don’t I’ll be breaking my oath…Please Captain…”
Janeway sighs angrily; she wasn’t going to fight because no matter what the Doctor
was going to do, he would do it.
“Fine! Just do it lets get this over with before I change my mind! I want
to get out of her as soon as I can it only holds bad memories.”
The Doctor nods as he runs the scans. All the readings seem fine except
she was a little anemic from the blood loss.
“Your scans are as well as can be expected considering the circumstances.
I’m going to give you a vitamin supplement to bring up your red blood cell
count they are low. In addition I must do an internal exam to make sure
your uterus is back to its normal size. It won’t take long.”
Janeway nods as the Doctor completes her internal exam. She has some
tenderness but that is to be expected as her body returns back to normal.
When finished Janeway bring down her legs again.
“I see you are still experiencing some tenderness but that is normal after such
a traumatic incident.”
“Must you keep reminding me Doctor? I know what you are telling me so I
really don’t need to hear it every time you examine me. “
“I am just doing my job. Chakotay will be here in a few minutes to take
you back to your quarters. He gave me these for you to put on, you
wouldn’t want to prance on outside of Sickbay in that get-up would you?”
“Not really, these are very tasteless.”
The Doctor assists her off the bio-bed; slight pain crosses her abdomen and has
difficulty walking but the Doctor assists when needed. He brings her to a
private room to change her Sickbay clothing and as he leaves hand her clothes
Chakotay brought for her. Moments later she comes out dressed and ready
to leave Sickbay. With the Doctor’s help she takes a seat to wait for
Chakotay.
Chakotay enters a short time later with roses in his hands. Janeway sees
them and turns away. Chakotay confused looks at the Doctor who just
shakes his head.
“Captain Janeway if you’re bleeding gets worse please come and see me, and try
to get some rest it will help your body heal. Chakotay be sure to make
her take it easy for a while.”
Chakotay nods, Janeway is helped to her feet by Chakotay and the Doctor.
She looks into his eyes and nods. Chakotay assists her the rest of the
way to their quarters.
When they reach their quarters they go into it together, it was emptied of all
the baby’s things it to Janeway looked like a cage and she was in it.
“It’s all gone, the clothing, the cradle, crib, sheets, diapers, everything is
gone how could you Chakotay…How could you!”
She pushes him away and stumbles into their bedroom to cry a river of
tears. It didn’t make her feel better it made her feel worse.
Chakotay thought he had done a good thing only to find out that it wasn’t to
her.
Weeks go by, B’Elanna is in Sickbay holding her baby girl, and
“Doctor, I want to see Captain Janeway, she deserves to see her Godchild.
Can’t you get her to come? I need to see her.”
“I have tried, Lt. Paris, Chakotay, even Seven and Naomi have tried to get her
to come out or that room but she won’t. Every time it’s the same old
sentence; “It’s to Painful to see B’Elanna and her baby.” I don’t know what
else to do.”
B’Elanna is angry, it’s been two weeks, and no one has heard from the Captain
including her husband. Right now he is living in separate quarters.
“This depression she’d gotten herself into, it isn’t going to get any better if
she stays isolated. She’s helped me through it, its only right I do the
same. She’s my best friend.”
“I will release you tomorrow night; go to her take Kaliyah with you maybe
seeing her will bring her back to us?”
The night she was released from Sickbay B’Elanna did what she set her mind
to. She marches to Janeway’s quarters with Kaliyah as a last hope in her
arms. She touches the door’s insigma when no answer came back she gets
inpatient…
“Computer, Security Override Torres-Gamma-Alpha 1-1-3-6.”
The door hisses open. Inside it is complete darkness, not a single speck
of light exists inside the residence, and outside warp light was the only
light.
“Captain, Captain Janeway are you here?”
“What is so important that you must interrupt my thoughts Lt. Torres?”
To her surprise Janeway turns away from the window and looks directly at
B’Elanna. She hasn’t called her Lt. Torres since they first came
here. She knew something was wrong.
“You are the emergency Captain! You have been wallowing in your own self-
pity that you didn’t even come to see the baby. The baby you are the
Godmother to, the one you named. Did you know I had her, two days
ago? I suppose not considering that you have been locked in here for
weeks, Chakotay isn’t even living in these quarters! Do you know how much
he loves you! “
“I know! But without my baby there is nothing left for him! Until you
loose a baby you don’t know how I feel!”
“I may not have lost a child, but my father left when I was six years
old. He was my only hope and when he left I turned away from my mother,
my family, I didn’t even want to hear his name spoken. I believed it was
my fault that he left. Remember when I found out I was pregnant with
Kaliyah? I wanted to change her genetic makeup to make her more
human. You wouldn’t let me and now look at her, look at how beautiful she
is! It was you who made her this way. I love her for the way she
looks now.”
“What does that have to do with me? I lost my baby I didn’t want to
change her genetic makeup. There is a big difference B’Elanna!”
“You weren’t the only one who lost that baby Captain! Chakotay lost it
too, have you even seen him since the day he brought you home? He is
falling apart, he loves you more than anything always has and always will, but
you are pushing him away like you are pushing all of us away. We need
you; your strength is what has gotten us this far. Without if we would
have landed on the closest planet to resemble Earth. You brought Naomi a
home, without her father who knows what kind of emotional trauma that would
have brought her. And Samantha, you let her have Naomi on the ship when
you knew it wasn’t a place for a child to grow up. Tom and I would have
never fallen in love and gotten married, and now we have a beautiful
daughter. I could name every member of the crew and how you helped him or
her, now it is our turn to repay you. Why don’t you come back to us? “
B’Elanna and Janeway are now both crying she struck a cord, which was what she
was trying to do. Janeway walks up to B’Elanna and gives her a gentle
hug, as the baby lies sleeping in her mother’s arms. When the embrace breaks
Janeway strokes the child’s face and she opens her eyes.
“Why don’t you hold her Captain? She is your Godchild, you named her, and
I want her to know that you will always be there for her.”
Janeway wipes tears from her eyes, and takes the Kaliyah into her arms.
Somehow holding that precious baby was comforting.
“You and Chakotay can try again in a few weeks. But you must let him back
into your life. Listen to him hear what he has to say.”
Later that night after spending hours talking and holding Kaliyah, Janeway’s
depression was lifted. Whatever B’Elanna said to her allowed him to
return to the arms of his lover. Although they knew that it would still
be a difficult journey Chakotay knew that the worst was over. And in time
things would be back to normal, the way they were before the baby came along.
It’s been two weeks; Janeway has gone to the Doctor for both counseling as well
as a checkup. Chakotay couldn’t come he’s still working double shifts
until Janeway is totally fit to return to duty. She has spent most of her
time with B’Elanna and Kaliyah. Janeway is sitting on the bio-bed.
“You are in perfect health both physically as well as mentally. For a
while there I was worried that you would never return. What changed your
heart?”
Janeway smiles.
“You I suppose. I should thank you for telling B’Elanna to bring Kaliyah
to me. When I saw that precious baby sleeping in her mother’s arms, I
realized that if it weren’t for me getting VOYAGER stuck out in the Delta
Quadrant she would never have existed.”
The Doctor returns her smile.
“I am sure that Tom and B’Elanna are entirely in your debt. A lot of
people found your strength a blessing. If you didn’t have it we would
have given up. Now we are 20,000 light years closer to home.”
“While I was in my depressed state, everyone tried to pull me out. But I
remained in it. I feel terrible for what I put Chakotay through, not
letting him touch me, fearing that I would probably make a mistake again.
Thank you so much for being there for him. You truly are made of “Flesh
and Blood.””
The Doctor is touched. Of all the years he has been serving as the ship's
doctor as well as a crewmember she has never really considered him a real live
human being.
“I was just doing what my program has allowed me to do. I deserve no
special treatment. I am just a hologram.”
Janeway places her hand on the Doctor’s shoulder and smiles.
“No Doctor, you were doing your job. You have gone far beyond what you
have been programmed for. You have become as human as the rest of us.”
“Thank you Captain. That means everything in the world to me.”
“Without you, your…expertise, none of us could still be here. You saved
the crew on several occasions. Including Chakotay and myself you even
saved Tom and B’Elanna daughter as well as the mother from the Negrat. “
The Doctor nods and Janeway jumps down from the bio-bed.
“When should I come back Doctor?”
“You are recovering as well as can be expected. But with your previous
medical history I want to see you once a week.”
“I’ll be here.”
Janeway smiles and walks to the doors as they hiss open Janeway turns with a
smile…
“Oh and Doctor, promise me something, never change, I like you the way you
are.”
“Yes, sir!”
Minutes later Janeway is in B’Elanna’s quarters. They are chitchatting
about whatever comes to their minds mostly Kaliyah. Both are sitting on
the couch having some coffee. Kaliyah is asleep in her bassinet.
“So what did the Doctor say?”
“That I’m almost fit for duty, I can return in two weeks. But he wants me
to see him once a week because of my “medical history” as he puts it. But
if you ask me I think he just like having visitors.”
“What did he say about the other…condition, the one you only told me about?”
“That it would be difficult or not more than likely it would be, like most that
have had a miscarriage. But he was sure that it would be possible not to
have any problems."
“Hey, you know what, Tom and I always believed that we would never conceive so
did I for a time. The odds were so stacked against us that we just
decided if it would happen it would, if it didn’t than we could deal with
it. After a long time we succeeded and now we have Kaliyah our miracle
baby, I feel so blessed, we both feel blessed.”
The baby coos and B’Elanna gets ready to move to get her. But Janeway
placed her back down.
“No B’Elanna, I’ll go get her. Besides you are on duty 24-7 with her take
a break she’s probably just hungry. Do you have milk waiting?”
“The bottles are in the warmer over there, that way Tom can feed her too, not
just me. Use the one that’s furthest away it’s the oldest.”
Janeway nods and walks over to the bassinet Kaliyah is smiling and looking up
at Janeway. Janeway glances at the mobile above Kaliyah’s hands; there
were two VOYAGERS’ and two Klingon BIRDS-OF-PRAY. Janeway smiles and
picks up Kaliyah; together they go to the warmer and retrieve a bottle.
Then Janeway sits down next to B’Elanna who strokes her daughter’s forehead
ridges.
“See, I told you she was hungry.”
B’Elanna laughs as Kaliyah takes the bottle in her mouth.
“She’s always hungry. I think she gets that from her father, I’m not sure I
could keep up my milk the way she eats.”
“I like the mobile you have above Kaliyah’s bassinet.”
“Oh you do? We decided she has the right to now both her heritages as
well as the ship where she was born. This way she would always remember
how special she is.”
Janeway and Chakotay are in their quarters eating dinner…
“So how is B’Elanna adjusting to motherhood? I’ve talked to Tom so far
he’s only changed diapers and had the 0200 feedings. That is only when
she lets him of course.”
“I got to feed her today. B’Elanna was going to but I told her I
would. Maybe you should let Tom in on that huh Chakotay?”
“I will so how was your appointment today with the Doctor?”
“Oh fine, he doesn’t want me to go back to duties yet. But I don’t mind I
enjoy spending my time with B’Elanna and our littlest crewmember. Do you
remember a time when I hated being off duty? I felt that it didn’t do me
justice. I needed to work. But now that’s all changed.”
“Because now we are a generation ship. I can just see the future
now… Icheb as chief engineer and Naomi the Captain. Now Kaliyah a
little different she’s just a baby but I think that one day she’ll be flying
the ship.”
“I can believe it. Three years from now little Kaliyah sitting on her
daddy’s lap learning all the skill to fly the ship before she learns to tie her
shoes.”
“And Icheb running Engineering while B’Elanna observes his every move.
Then there’s Naomi sitting next to me on the stairs waiting for you to hand
over your command to her.”
“No matter if we get home before we are old and gray it’s nice to know my ship
will be well taken care of after we are gone. If I don’t make it home at
least I know that the first generation on VOYAGER will. “
Chakotay smiles, he knows how much Janeway cares about her ship and her crew,
and he knew that it wouldn’t be easy for her to hand over command. This
ship was her baby.
“Speaking of children, I told B’Elanna today that we could watch Kaliyah while
she and Tom spent some time together alone. It took a while to convince
her but she gave in. We are supposed to be there at 1900 hours.”
Chakotay smiles and nods.
Three hours later Janeway and Chakotay are in Tom and B’Elanna’s
quarters. Both she and Tom are dressed for mountain climbing.
Janeway and Chakotay are in regular clothing.
“Right now Kaliyah is asleep she’ll be up in about an hour for another
feeding. You know where you can find the milk I left you. Sometimes
she doesn’t want to eat she’d rather sleep. Don’t give into her she will
try that. If she doesn’t eat on schedule she will want to eat when it’s
time to sleep. Oh and her clothing is in the closet over there.
Sometimes she likes to spit up…you know that kind of thing. And she likes to be
sung to sleep it lulls her to sleep more soundly. And…”
Most are annoyed by the over cautious mother especially Tom. They needed
this vacation even if it was for only a few hours.
“Come on B’Elanna it’s only a few hours. I’m sure both Captain Janeway
and Commander Chakotay are capable of taking care of an infant. I mean
they are responsible for 154 people on board. I think Kaliyah will be
just fine.”
“I know it’s just she’s so small still she needs her mother. I have never
been away from her for more than a few minutes since the day she was
born. Let alone three hours.”
“Just relax B’Elanna she’ll be fine.”
“Contact me if you need anything.”
“Come on B’Elanna before you change your mind.”
B’Elanna whines as
“Well, she won’t be up for a least an hour so why don’t we do something
fun? Aha a puzzle we could put together a puzzle like I used to do when I
was a child. Did you Kathryn?”
“Not really.”
Janeway laughs as Chakotay gets the puzzle on a nearby stand. While the
other children played games she worked on her mathematics with her
father. Fun was not in her vocabulary.
“Well, let’s see how good you are at puzzles. It’s just like mathematics
in pictures that’s all. What was supposed to go where was a mathematics
problem.”
Janeway laughs with Chakotay and they begin separating the end pieces.
For the first time in a very, very long time Janeway felt like a child again.
Three hours have gone by B’Elanna rushes into their quarters. Chakotay
was telling Kaliyah one of his Native American Tales, she was laying on her
back on the blanket Janeway made for her, and in response Kaliyah was moving
her arms and legs. She was really enjoying the tales.
“Oh, that’s my baby, mama missed you. Were you a good baby for Captain
Janeway and Chakotay?”
The baby responds to her mother’s voice and turns her head. B’Elanna
strokes the baby’s forehead ridges, the ridges she wanted to remove, were now
the most beautiful thing about her and B’Elanna smiles.
“So how was your time alone Tom?”
“We weren’t alone, Kaliyah was with us.”
Chakotay is confused Kaliyah was with them.
“What do you mean Tom?”
“B’Elanna saw Kaliyah in everything we did. Maybe when she is older we
could go on the holodeck more often without her worrying that you weren’t doing
a good job.”
“She is going to make the best mother possible Tom just looks at the two of
them over there. It is natural for B’Elanna to be that way; this is a
very special time for the child and her mother.”
With that to think about Janeway and Chakotay leave Tom and B’Elanna’s
quarters. Feeling fulfilled Janeway seems to understand now what she has
to do. When they get to their quarters and the door hisses behind
them. Janeway laid a big kiss on Chakotay.
“Wasn’t it wonderful to spend that time with Kaliyah Chakotay, she is so
precious.”
“Yes, it was.”
“Chakotay make an honest woman out of me. Show me how much you love me.”
“Are you sure you want to do this, I’m not sure it has been enough time.”
“I haven’t let you touch me in 4 weeks. I know how much I need you to
fulfill your promises. I have never been so sure. I am as sure as
can be.”
Chakotay takes her in his arms and brings them into their bedroom. Laying
her softly on the bed they meet each other’s eyes and the lights are dimmed.
Two months have passed, without any success Janeway has become rather irritated
because she wants to have a baby so badly. Although she has some
suspicions on being pregnant again she waits until after he comes back from
bridge duty. As her thoughts become unknown the swish of the door draws
her attention. Chakotay is standing at the door looking very tired.
"Chakotay, I have something to say…now don't freak out or anything or be
discouraged if it isn't true. But I really think it is…Really."
"Would you just tell me, it must be important or you would have kissed me
as soon as I walked through the door? So go on tell me what you want
to."
"Chakotay, I think we are going to have a baby. Now I'm not sure
because the Doctor told me that I would be screwed up for a couple of months,
since the miscarriage I mean, but this time I feel different."
"That's wonderful News! If your news is right I mean. It only
took two months but at least it didn't take a year like the Doctor said it
would."
Chakotay smiles at Janeway who in return smiles back. They both new that
this time they would succeed and at the end a baby would come.
"When are you going to Sickbay? I just have to be there this
time. For everything, every exam, every Kodak, every second! I want to
make it right this time."
"I'm going today, I suppose Harry can take the night shift a little longer
than usual, I'm sure he wouldn't mind. Let's go see if I'm right, and I
am going to have a baby."
Chakotay and Janeway both smile and together they exit their quarters and off
to sickbay they go.
In Sickbay Janeway is seated on the bio-bed while Chakotay is nearby. The
Doctor has finished the exam; he walks up to them and gives them their first
Kodak's.
"Here you go, you were right, the fetuses are about four and a half weeks
along. Usually woman can't tell this soon but your maternal instincts
seem to be very keen."
"Babies! Did you say Babies! There is more than one
baby?"
"Two actually."
"We're going to have two babies not just one?"
"Yes, Chakotay there are two fetuses inside."
"That's wonderful. But Doctor is everything all right? I mean
since I had a previous miscarriage?"
"Oh yes, they are just fine, there is only a slight problem but it can be
corrected if you give yourself an injection of this serum once a day at the
same time."
"What's the problem?"
"The babies have different blood types than Captain Janeway. See she
is B negative and the children are B positive. It appears that the babies
got the RH factor from their father I presume?"
"Of course they did, Chakotay is B positive. Who else would be the
father?"
"Relax; I was just putting a little humor in the topic. If I offended you
in any way I am greatly sorry. Can you forgive me?"
"Of course Doctor I didn't mean to jump at you. It's the hormones
talking I guess."
"So this injection what does it do?"
"It has an anti-viral medication that prevents Captain Janeway's body from
producing anti-bodies to fight off the foreign object, which in this case are
the babies themselves. See her body will reject them as if they were an
illness. But if she takes this serum once a day every day at the same
time she should be just fine."
Janeway laughs
"It reminds me of birth control, you have to take it every day/ month at
the same exact time so you won't get pregnant, now that we are it’s the same
thing just different."
"I suppose, but this is more dangerous since you had a miscarriage before,
technically speaking this is your second pregnancy. If it were your first
you wouldn't have to take the serum. Just like if you plan to have other
children this will become a part of your daily diet."
"How are her chances on having another miscarriage?"
"There will always be that chance as with any other pregnancy. But I
am recommending complete bed rest for the first three to five months maybe
longer if there need be. This way you can deliver full term."
Janeway scuffs she didn't like the thought of being confined to her quarters
let alone the bed.
"Doctor, you know how much I dislike being confined, but because of that
small chance I may have another miscarriage I know I will comply. The
last one was hard enough I don't think I could handle another one."
"I will need to see you every week for the time being. I will come
to your quarters so you can stay off your feet as much a possible.
Especially now that you are having twins."
Chakotay can't believe that he's going to be the father of the first set of
twins born on Voyager.
Janeway is back in their quarters Chakotay put her right into bed and off her
feet. Waiting on her hand and foot. She would only be permitted to
get off her feet if she had to use the bathroom.
"Janeway to Torres?"
"Torres here."
"Please report to my quarters and bring Kaliyah with you."
"I'll be right there. Torres out."
Soon after B'Elanna with Kaliyah are in Janeway's quarters. Janeway is
still on her bed with B'Elanna comes inside smiling…
"You're pregnant aren't you Captain?"
"How could you tell?"
"I can see it in your eyes. I saw it in my won the day I found out I
was carrying Kaliyah."
"The Doctor told us we were having twins so I needed to stay in bed for
the first 20-24 weeks. I have twenty weeks left her in bed.
Chakotay is so happy, and now I know that we will make it this time."
"How are you going to do that? You hate staying confined?"
"I know, but it’s the only way to prevent me from having a miscarriage and
I couldn't handle that again."
B'Elanna nods and brings Kaliyah over to the bed and sits on it.
"How have you been B'Elanna? Any problems yet? What about
Tom?"
"Tom loves being a daddy. He even speaks about; when she's older
she'll sit on his lap and fly the ship just like her daddy did for so many
years. I just can't believe it."
"Chakotay and I spoke about that a few months ago. I guess he
was right."
"You know what Captain I just realized something. Our children will
be so close in age I wouldn't be surprised if they become best friends like we
are. Or maybe a boyfriend to Kaliyah in about 10 years. Wouldn't
that be something? Our children marrying each other. We would be
in-laws."
"I never thought of it that way. I suppose that it could happen,
maybe if we have a boy and a girl and not two boys or two girls they wouldn't
be left out of the crowd. Kaliyah wouldn't just have a boyfriend she
would also have a best friend. Oh I hope that will be it. I'm sure
Chakotay already knows what we are having considering he knew what you were
having even before you told the entire crew yourself."
They laugh and smile at the old times.
"You know we won't be able to see much of each other after the twins are
born. Maybe only with feeding tips or trading clothes for a day. They
guys would love it. Maybe when they are born we should go on a vacation
in the holodeck and leave them here to watch the children. Wouldn't that
be a riot?"
B'Elanna laughs hysterically at the thought. Tom and Chakotay would no
doubt be great fathers but with three crying babies they may think twice before
letting them go on vacation without them.
"I think Kaliyah get more beautiful every day that I see her. And
that is a lot lately. She will sure be a heartthrob in her future.
Teasing the boys and things like that."
"You are her Godmother Captain so you can see her anytime you wish
to. And about the teasing the boys, not until she 15 that's when we have
the most fun. I think she will be happy here with all of us by her side
and always there for her."
"I hope so."
Five Months Later…
Janeway is still in her bed reading an ancient novel about young girl who was
raised on a farm with her family in Walnut Grove. Although the novel come
in a series type Janeway enjoys them greatly. At the buzz at the door
Janeway calls to the person. It was Naomi today is her birthday; she
looks like a 12-year-old rather than a five-year-old, carrying a Kudus Cot
board. How much she has grown in the last year.
"Happy Birthday Naomi, I'm sorry I can't come to your party this afternoon
but I am under strict bed rest.
"Hello Captain, but that's alright that is why I came here, since you
can't come to my party, the Doctor let me leave school early and Icheb wasn't
giving me genetic sequences to put together in a jigsaw puzzle I would come and
visit you for a while; while my mom works in engineering. Do you want to
play a game?"
"Sure but I'm afraid I don't know how to play will you teach me?"
"Sure, it's really easy, kid of like the old tic-tac toe game way
back in the 20th century. I will take it easy on you for the first few
games then as you get better I will be sure to put up a challenge. I
don't usually loose unless Seven is playing the game with me first."
"Okay Naomi, just take it easy on me."
Naomi nods and sets up the board game. Together Naomi shows her the moves
and the positions of where you can jump the opponent. Janeway gasps
slightly as the babies move around inside of her.
"You okay Captain?"
"Sure, it just that they are running out of room in there. The
Doctor said I would be feeling a lot of movement for the next couple of weeks
when he came here today. Not to worry I am just fine and so are the
babies."
Later that night Janeway completes one of the novels. Chakotay is still
on the bridge like he has been for the last couple of days making up time since
he has always been there for her thought it all. Sharp pains
make Janeway gasps suddenly and bolt upright in bed. This couldn't be
labor she was still 10 weeks away from her due date. She wasn't
frightened at first but when the contraction became frequent she called
Chakotay. He made it there in half the time it normally would take and
the Doctor was already there with all the equipment he needed to deliver the
babies early.
"Are you sure you want to have a "home" birth these babies are
early they could need special medical equipment to help them breathe. "
"Yes, I have read everything about "home" births from the 20th
century this was the way they did it way back when. Why should it be any
different now that this is the 24th century? Besides I am sure that they
will be just fine they are moving like crazy inside. "
"Okay but if something goes wrong; I will beam you to Sickbay."
"Nothing will go wrong Doctor, I know I am the father, these twins are
fighters."
The Doctor nods as Janeway breathe through her contractions. It was 0800
hours when the contractions started so they should be here in a few hours.
12.5 hours later…
"I can see them Kathryn! Keep pushing!"
"Chakotay that is what I have been doing for the last half hour."
"Okay one more push and the baby should be here Captain…Can you give me
your best push ever. It should come out quickly after that."
Janeway nods and give the Doctor her most powerful push ever. She wanted
to scream but didn't want her babies coming into the world with her screaming
instead she laughed.
Twin A comes out without a hitch, screaming wildly the Doctor was sure that he
wouldn't have any problems breathing on his own.
"It's a boy Kathryn, we have a boy!"
"A boyfriend for Kaliyah someday you know Chakotay."
"Not for at least 30 years cause papa says."
Janeway laughs she is so happy she couldn't do anything more. This was
the day she has been waiting for forever.
1 half hour later…
Twin B finally makes HER appearance after a half-hour. Janeway was
beginning to think the Doctor was wrong.
"It's a girl!"
"A Girl!
"A girl. And she is as loud as her brother; there is no doubt about
it. She may be even louder. They seem to be doing just fine, a
little small but not surprising considering they were twins."
The Doctor hands the baby girl over to her mother and the baby boy to his
father. The family was complete, well for now.
"Twin "A" 6 pounds 3 ounces and Twin "B" 5 pounds
2 ounces, both are perfectly healthy. Should I make an announcement to
the crew?"
"Go ahead they should welcome the newest additions."
"Doctor to all Decks I am please to announce that the twins are
here. They don't have names yet but I am sure they will soon
enough. Come and see the newest additions."
The crew is happy especially Naomi who was awoken by the signal, now she shared
her birthday with two new babies. She had never been happier.
The next day the crew welcomes the new infants with a welcome party in the Mess
Hall that Neelix had arranged months ago. Everyone was there…
"They are beautiful Captain. I guess we were lucky now Kaliyah has a
new boyfriend and a best friend. What kid would want more."
“? They are beautiful, see this is Emily Renee Janeway and this is Elijah
Kolpec Janeway and they are both just wonderful."
"I think Emily looks a lot like her mother Chakotay where you are in
there?"
Chakotay laughs lightly
"I'm in there she's just a baby now but someday she will be a daddy's
little girl."
"But Elijah looks like you, except for his personality that belongs to the
Captain."
"One day I will tell him and his sister the ancient legends of my people
and he will be known as "Yellow Feather" an ancient name that will
suit him. Maybe one day he will be a better Native American than I
was."
B'Elanna and Tom smile and walk to the buffet table located at the left of the
room. This is their home and this is where they will always remain.
"Chakotay do you remember a long time ago that you told me that
"Family Matters""
"Yes, what about it?"
Janeway looks around at the crew and then down to her arms where Emily was
resting.
"You were right family does matter when we are out here. We
are all that is left of the Alpha Quadrant and we must let it last
forever. So our children can love the universe as their parents do."
Chakotay looks down into his arms where Elijah was sleeping.
"I am the luckiest man in the world I have you, the twins, and most of all
I have my family."
Janeway and Chakotay kiss as the scene fades.
THE END